HAVE you ever had a birthday that felt so cringy that you wished the ground would swallow you whole? Birthdays are joyous occasions, but there are times when embarrassing mishaps happen, and a comedy of errors follows. Yet, these are what make birthdays memorable.
This is my most memorable birthday, not because I can recall it, but because my relatives never fail to remind me, especially my Tita Teri. Here’s why.
Some decades ago, while flipping my childhood album, I saw a birthday photo of myself lying on the floor holding a balloon. My cousins, each with their balloons, were looking down at me. I checked the other photos, and all were the same. No decent photograph of me. In my Tita Teri’s words, “nag-ligid ligid sa iyang birthday. Literally, “Di nako ka bakod ani nga storya.” It will forever haunt me.
On Ivan’s 2nd birthday, we held it at the private beach of my Tito Junior. I dressed up in a white sheer dress. When I greeted my friends at the gate, Gary Boy couldn't help asking, “Kinsa birthday?” That was back when the movie Message in a Bottle came out, and I wore a dress inspired by what Robin Wright wore at the beach.
I’ve attended other children's birthday parties, and mothers came prepared with large tote bags. I only realized the reason for it when game time began, specifically, the Bring Me game. Their bags carry the whole house. Whatever the game master asked for, the mothers provided.
At one of those parties, the game master said, “Who can bring me red lipstick?” Ivan came to me, and when I said I didn't have any, he said, “You’re a girl, but you don't have lipstick?” I told him I don’t bring one when I go out. After that, I still didn't carry a big bag. Instead, I asked my cousins or mother anything the game master asked for.
And just what is it with clowns that kids are afraid of? They prefer the other mascots, but the most favored is the bee. However, on Ivan’s first birthday, he had a clown, and surprisingly, he was not afraid, and neither were his cousins. They all gamely played with the clown.
Reflecting on these birthday parties made me realize that the mishaps make these parties memorable. They provide tales for generations to talk about. Eventually, these stories become urban legends in our respective families. So don't despair and frown over these rolling on the floor, crying over scary clowns, and other little incidents. These add color to the events.
Birthdays are not all about gifts, cakes, games, or who's got the best costumes. It's about the endless laughter, giggles, and cries happening in every corner. Embrace these stories that make each birthday a memorable one. In the end, imperfect moments make the perfect memories.
